Chapter 005: Rigorous Training in the East Sea
Although there is no shortage of good news, Wen Zifu has never been able to feel the call of the Golden Spiritual Energy, as if it simply does not exist in this time. This has caused Wen Zifu to furrow his brows, and the joy brought about by his rapid improvement in strength has diminished considerably.
Upon reaching a profound understanding, Wen Zifu could not help but feel eager to try. He followed the instructions of the secret manual, forming seals and reciting incantations to guide the spiritual energy flowing within his body. Lu Zhongdao closely monitored his disciple's every move. Seeing him actually begin to cultivate, he quickly activated his own spiritual energy to firmly suppress Wen Zifu's practice. Noticing his disciple's puzzled gaze, Lu Zhongdao explained: "The theory of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements is fundamental. You must wait until you have gained some understanding before you can begin cultivation; otherwise, you risk falling into madness at best, or death at worst"
"What is it? Not practicing properly, but coming here to disturb me while I fish. Are you itching for a beating?" Lu Zhongdao muttered in dissatisfaction, reached out to snatch the fishing rod from Wenzi Fu's hands, baited the hook, and continued to fish leisurely.
"Enough of the nonsense. Master Zhang's talismanic arts have been passed down for thousands of years. Which sect or school in the world dares to claim it is not a continuation of the Tianshi Dao?" Lu Zhongdao was provoked into a fit of anger by a single remark from Wenzi Fu, and with a flurry of movement, he swept the food on the table towards himself, casting a discontented glance at Wenzi Fu, as if to say that he simply would not let him eat.
By the way, what does it feel like when one senses the five elements' spiritual energy? For instance, does the fire energy feel very hot within the body... Hearing the old man shift the topic away from himself, Wenzi hurriedly changed the subject and inquired about the practice of cultivation.
After much contemplation, Lu Zhongdao finally recalled the feelings he experienced during his initial training. This is akin to how modern individuals, in winter, struggle to remember the sensations of summer, often unable to recall the peak of heat, just as they cannot remember the coldest moments during the hottest days. The fact that Lu Zhongdao can reminisce about his training experiences indicates a profound memory.
Lu Zhongdao was determined to cultivate Wen Zifu, naturally expressing everything he knew without reservation. He shared his experiences of feeling the fire element spiritual energy and also introduced the sensations of several other types of spiritual energy through guessing and gestures.
Moreover, even if I am not as skilled as that old master of talismans, do you think my disciples will be inferior? You must study diligently and practice hard, and in the future, defeat the disciples of that old master of talismans. I want to see who in the world would dare to say that I am not as good as he is!" Lu Zhongdao then scooped two dishes from the food in front of him and placed them in front of Wen Zifu, wearing an expression that conveyed his high expectations for him. He had already set his sights on defeating the disciples of the real master of talismans, and thus became much more lenient with his own disciples.
Hmph... Unaware of the vastness of the heavens and the earth! Not far away, Lu Zhongdao, who heard Wen Zifu's long howl, coldly snorted and disdainfully said: "You have merely sensed a bit of water spiritual energy, reaching only the first level of the Yellow rank, yet you dare to boastfully claim to be a talisman master. Wait until you have all five elements before you speak!" His words were not meant to deliberately suppress Wen Zifu's ambition. It is important to note that Wen Zifu practices the Yin-Yang Five Elements talisman technique passed down from Master Zhang, where all five elements of spiritual energy are essential. Once the five elements are complete, he can utilize the principle of mutual generation among the five elements to refine his spiritual energy. Only then will it be true cultivation that yields twice the result with half the effort. At this moment, laying the foundation requires the completeness of the five elements, which is already five times the effort compared to the cultivation of other talisman techniques.
The opening of the secret text states: "The Dao gives rise to Yin and Yang, and Yin and Yang give rise to the Five Elements. All things in the world possess the Dao, and all things in time possess Yin and Yang. Heaven represents Yang, while Earth represents Yin..." This page discusses the profound principles of Yin and Yang in relation to Heaven and Earth, while the next page at www.hetushu.com continues to elaborate on the principles of the mutual generation and overcoming of the Five Elements. Such profound truths cannot be comprehended in a short time. However, when Wenzi Fu encountered the theories of Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements, he felt an innate familiarity, as if he had always known these theories.
Old man! Old man! I just encountered something strange while meditating!" Wen Zifu rushed to the side of Lu Zhongdao, who was quietly meditating and fishing with his eyes closed, yanked his fishing rod, and woke up the old man who was dozing off, shaking his head.
"Old man, aren't you the authentic heir of the Heavenly Master Dao? How come you are not as good as that talisman master?" Wenzi Fu asked while hurriedly shoveling food from the table into his mouth.
On the fifth day at noon, after a night of adjustment, Wenzi Fu finally entered a state of nothingness and selflessness once again, sitting cross-legged under the great tree with his hands positioned in a yin-yang formation. Not long after entering this state, Wenzi Fu once again felt that vague calling; however, this time, being prepared, he naturally would not panic. He simply followed the sensation, allowing his consciousness to drift, ultimately arriving in a deep blue expanse.
The next day, Wenzi still came to sit under the big tree to practice. After hearing Lu Zhongdao's words yesterday, he felt no urgency at this moment. He thought to himself that he had already endured fifteen years without cultivation, so he did not mind that this day was not one of practice. He arrived at the base of the tree, sat cross-legged, placed his hands in a yin-yang position in front of his lower abdomen, closed his eyes, severed his thoughts, and gradually calmed his mind.
These matters cannot be rushed; let us take our time. Back then, I spent three years to truly grasp the essence of fire elemental energy. Although I may be slightly inferior to that old talisman practitioner now, I am still the second best in the world, haha.
Enough, enough, if you keep bowing your head, it will break!" Lu Zhongdao extended his hand to stop his disciple from incessantly bowing and handed over the ancient book, saying, "You may take this manual to study for now. Although I am unable to practice the Yin-Yang and Five Elements talisman techniques, I have studied them thoroughly. If you have any questions, feel free to come and ask me.
Young man, I see that your bones are extraordinary and your features are unique. In the future, you will surely be a dragon among men. I happen to have a treasured manual in my possession, which I will sell to you for ten dollars. From now on, the task of maintaining world peace will be entrusted to you. For some reason, as I looked at my master spreading out the book and grinning while enticing me, a nonsensical thought suddenly flashed through my mind. In a daze, it seemed as if I saw a gaunt beggar waving in front of me seven or eight manuals inscribed with titles like 'Dugu Nine Swords' and 'Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms'.
Although talisman masters are classified into five levels and nine ranks, only Zhang Tianshi has ever used gold-level talismans, specifically the highest rank, Gold Nine, known as the Nine Thunder Pearls! Since then, there has been no report of any other gold-level talisman master in the world. Among the known strongest individuals in the mortal realm, aside from Zhang Tianshi, the most notable reached Silver Nine at the age of thirty, yet he never attained the gold-level realm before his death. Furthermore, this talisman master, who reached Silver Nine at thirty, did not immediately sense the circulation of the five elemental spiritual energies during his cultivation.
The old man is right; I have been too impatient today, unable to calm my mind, resulting in a wasted afternoon. Six months ago, Wen Zifu no longer referred to Lu Zhongdao as his master. Although Lu Zhongdao is old, he has become increasingly unruly with age. He is extremely dissatisfied with his disciples calling him master, and in order to prevent Wen Zifu from addressing him as such, he even went on a hunger strike. Ultimately, Wen Zifu had no choice but to call him 'old man,' and Lu Zhongdao insisted that he refer to himself as 'old fellow' to signify their comparable ages. Indeed, he has become more and more unruly with age, and he is extremely dissatisfied with his disciples calling him master. In order to prevent Wen Zifu from addressing him as such, he even went on a hunger strike. Ultimately, Wen Zifu had no choice but to call him 'old man,' and Lu Zhongdao insisted that he refer to himself as 'old fellow' to signify their comparable ages.
The old man always speaks his mind! Moreover, with your limited abilities, even a single hair from me could crush you!" Lu Zhongdao snorted. In reality, he felt both envy and jealousy towards Wen Zifu's talent. After only five or six days, he was already able to sense the summoning of spiritual energy and even successfully integrate it. This is no ordinary genius. It seems that as long as Wen Zifu diligently practices, with such a solid foundation, he might very well become the second gold-level talisman master in the earthly realm.
After discussing the interactions of the Five Elements, the text then addresses the cultivation methods of the Yin-Yang Five Elements talismans and spells. This Yin-Yang Five Elements talisman technique is indeed a remarkable skill passed down from Zhang Tianshi's teachings. The cultivation methods for these spells are significantly different from ordinary spells. Ordinary spells focus on a single system; for instance, a thunder system talisman master would only practice thunder spells, and similarly for other systems. In contrast, the Yin-Yang Five Elements talismans enhance the spiritual power of spells across all systems simultaneously, making it a highly efficient approach.
"Bad things? If this counts as a bad thing, I would be willing to encounter bad things every day!" Lu Zhongdao glanced at Wenzi Fu, his tone tinged with envy and resentment, feeling greatly impacted. He recalled that in his youth, he was regarded as the foremost genius among great philosophers. Coupled with his diligent efforts, he had also toiled for over twenty years, only experiencing the first call of spiritual energy when he advanced to the eighth tier of the purple level.
"Stop drooling, take these fish and kill them. We will make soup tonight!" Lu Zhongdao waved his hand and slapped Wen Zifu on the head, interrupting his foolish fantasies, and tossed a small bucket in front of him, giving orders.
Until nightfall, Wenzi Fu, who sat quietly under the tree with closed eyes, finally opened them. He was aware that he had successfully merged with the summoned spiritual energy, feeling an unprecedented force flowing ceaselessly through his limbs and bones, like a gentle stream, soft and soothing. He experienced a sense of vitality he had never felt before spreading throughout his body, and an indescribable sense of pride surged within him. With a long whistle and a proud declaration, he exclaimed, "Now I am also a talisman master! From now on, the vast world is mine to traverse!"
Upon hearing the master's explanation, Wenzi felt a sense of relief in his heart. Fortunately, he had the master's reminder; otherwise, with his current mediocre level, if he had rashly begun to practice the Yin-Yang Five Elements talisman technique, he might have lost his life. At that time, how would his suffering mother back at the Wen family manage to live? With this thought in mind, he gratefully bowed his head to Lu Zhongdao once more, and Lu Zhongdao smiled and accepted his bow.
Ten years ago, Lu Zhongdao, feeling a sense of breakthrough, went to challenge the Master of Talismans in the Great Song Dynasty. The two engaged in a fierce battle for ten days and nights, ultimately resulting in Lu Zhongdao's narrow defeat. Upon returning to the Great Philosophy, he believed that the constant visits from the royal family had disturbed his cultivation, leading to his inability to defeat the Master of Talismans. Consequently, he caused a great uproar after returning to the Great Philosophy. The current emperor of the Great Philosophy, left with no choice, dispatched people to search the seas and discovered a small island where spring prevailed all year round. He informed Lu Zhongdao of this location, allowing him to cultivate and live in seclusion on the island.
Lu Zhongdao, being a silver-level talisman master, naturally understands the essence of summoning the five elements' spiritual energy. As talisman masters cultivate to higher realms, their spiritual power becomes increasingly abundant. With the support of this powerful spiritual energy, they can perceive the summoning of the five elements and the spiritual energy of the *Diagram* and *Book*. This explains why all silver-level talisman masters can at least cast spells from three elemental systems, and why a few purple-level talisman masters can also cast spells from three elemental systems. The five elements' spiritual energy is the source of casting power, capable of mobilizing the immovable attributes of the five elements' spiritual energy, thus the spells cast will naturally possess different attributes.
Throughout this year, Wen Zifu has been by Master Lu Zhongdao's side, constantly receiving his teachings and guidance, which has greatly broadened his horizons and significantly enhanced his understanding of the theories of Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements. Today marks the day when Lu Zhongdao officially announces that he can begin his practice of the Yin-Yang and Five Elements talismanic arts.
Old man, stop beating around the bush. Is this summoning that the old man has encountered good or bad?" Wen Zifu anxiously interrupted Lu Zhongdao's words.
The deep blue is gentle and docile, like water. Wen Zifu's consciousness drifts freely in this deep blue, while the surrounding deep blue ripples like water, becoming more joyful as it flows with Wen Zifu's consciousness. The deep blue ripples faster and faster, eventually slowly enveloping Wen Zifu's consciousness. Remembering the teachings of Lu Zhongdao, Wen Zifu offers no resistance, simply allowing the deep blue to wrap around his consciousness. As his consciousness is completely enveloped by the deep blue, he feels a tremendous force surging into his awareness. Although this force is immense, it does not cause discomfort. The deep blue ripples faster and faster, eventually slowly enveloping Wen Zifu's consciousness. Remembering the teachings of Lu Zhongdao, Wen Zifu offers no resistance, simply allowing the deep blue to wrap around his consciousness. As his consciousness is completely enveloped by the deep blue, he feels a tremendous force surging into his awareness. Although this force is immense, it does not cause discomfort
Anyway, having been accustomed to the old man's criticisms, Wenzi Fu paid no mind, chuckling lightly as he excitedly followed behind Lu Zhongdao. He gathered small droplets of spiritual water power in his hands, pointing and gesturing at Lu Zhongdao's back while making a "BIUBIU" sound.
The midday sun hung high in the sky, and Wenzi Fu desperately tried to sense the flow of the five elements' spiritual energy, but he could not grasp it no matter how hard he tried. The more anxious he became, the more confused he felt. Although he had his eyes closed, his mind remained unsettled, and thus, his first day of cultivation ended in vain
At this moment, sitting beside Wen Zifu under the tree, the waves rippled, with the sea water washing over his body, yet not wetting his clothes. A blue mist gradually enveloped Wen Zifu's body. Not far away, Lu Zhongdao observed this scene, stroking his beard and nodding, a look of satisfaction appearing on his face
"Eating fish again? Is there nothing else to eat on this island? I haven't seen any vegetables for two months. Old man, aren't you a great philosopher and the ancestor of the royal family? Why don't you ask your princes and grandsons to send some vegetables over?" Wen Zifu complained as he picked up the water bucket and followed the departing figure of Zhong Dao.
Uncertain of how much time had passed, Wen Zifu, sitting cross-legged on the ground, seemed to hear a faint call, as if someone nearby was beckoning him to come over. Startled by this call, Wen Zifu suddenly opened his eyes, but the voice had vanished the moment he did. Realizing something was amiss, Wen Zifu lost interest in continuing his meditation and hurriedly made his way towards the location of Lu Zhongdao, calling out loudly.
Thank you, Master!" Wen Zifu once again bowed deeply, respectfully extending both hands to receive the secret manual. He gently opened the first page with great care, and the first thing that caught his eye were the large characters "General Principles of Yin-Yang and Five Elements Talismans." Wen Zifu felt a surge of joy in his heart, carefully gazing at those eight large characters for a long time before reluctantly turning to the second page
This practice is not something that can be achieved overnight. If you can sense the five elements' spiritual energy on the first day of your training, I assure you that you will enter the ranks of silver talisman masters within five years! The talisman masters of the world are divided into five levels: gold, silver, purple, blue, and yellow, with each level further divided into nine stages. Each stage represents a bottleneck in cultivation. Those with exceptional talent may experience a shorter duration at these bottlenecks, while those with slightly lesser talent or weaker will may find themselves forever stuck at a certain stage within the yellow level's bottleneck. The higher the level of the talisman master, the stronger the power of the spells they can wield. For instance, the thunder spell cast by a silver-level talisman master is vastly different from that cast by a yellow-level talisman master. Each level is divided into nine stages, and each stage represents a bottleneck in cultivation. Those with exceptional talent may experience a shorter duration at these bottlenecks, while those with slightly lesser talent or weaker will may find themselves forever stuck at a certain stage within the yellow level's bottleneck. The higher the level of the talisman master, the stronger the power of the spells they can wield. For instance, the thunder spell cast by a silver-level talisman master is vastly different from that cast by a yellow-level talisman master.
Shaking his head to dismiss this nonsensical and bizarre thought, at this moment, Wenzi Fu was overwhelmed by the immense joy of being able to cultivate. He turned over and knelt down, repeatedly bowing to Lu Zhongdao, while continuously saying: "Master's great kindness, the disciple will never forget! Master's great kindness..."
Having understood the ins and outs of the situation, Wenzi was greatly excited. He never expected that by simply calming his mind, he could achieve such results. Could it be that he truly was an extraordinary genius? With this thought, he felt an indescribable excitement in his heart, imagining a future where he would master his skills, dominate the world, and bring a group of wives to honor his mother. That would truly be the greatest joy in life
"Old man, can't you pretend not to know, or wait until I calm down a bit before speaking? The way you are saying this now is really a blow to me!" Wen Zifu, who just took the first step on his cultivation journey, complained.
Wenzi smiled faintly. After spending a year with this old man, she gradually began to understand him. He was, in fact, just a mischievous old man who occasionally played pranks, yet he could not tolerate anyone mentioning that he was inferior to the real master of talismans.
Early in the morning, Wenzi Fu prepared himself and arrived under a large tree by the island, waiting quietly for noon to arrive. The practice of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements emphasizes the principle of mutual generation among the Five Elements. This island is indeed a rare and excellent place according to the theory of the Five Elements. Firstly, the island itself represents the Earth element, while the surrounding sea represents Water. Practicing under the large tree symbolizes the Wood element. Noon is the time when the sun is at its peak, and the sun belongs to the Fire element. At noon, the Fire element is at its strongest, thus practicing at this location during this time can yield remarkable results. Unfortunately, there are no obvious objects on the island that represent the Metal element. However, it is fortunate that Earth can generate Metal, so it cannot be said that there is a complete absence of the Metal element on the island.
Originally leisurely fishing, Lu Zhongdao suddenly stood up, disregarding the fishing rod that he had accidentally touched in the sea, and turned his head to scrutinize Wen Zifu from top to bottom. Feeling uneasy under his gaze, Wen Zifu uncertainly looked at himself and asked, "Is there... something strange about this?"
How strange! Could it be that you truly are a super genius? A hopeful star destined to advance to a Golden-level talisman master in the future? It is simply astonishing that you can sense the call of spiritual energy in just one day. According to Lu Zhongdao's predictions, even someone as talented as Wenzi Fu, who possesses all five elements, would typically need at least a month to feel the circulation of the five elemental spiritual energy. Yet, based on what Wenzi Fu has said, it seems he has sensed the call of the five elemental spiritual energy without even experiencing its circulation. Even if Wenzi Fu is indeed someone with all five elements and exceptional talent, it would still take at least a month to feel the circulation of the five elemental spiritual energy. Now, according to Wenzi Fu, it appears he has sensed the call of the five elemental spiritual energy without having felt its circulation.
The old man was just sitting there practicing when he suddenly felt as if someone was calling him. The voice was vague and indistinct, yet for some reason, the old man knew it was calling him! Wen Zifu detailed the shout he had just felt and his own feelings at that moment to Lu Zhongdao.
In practicing, one must first avoid arrogance and impatience, and it is essential to keep a calm mind. If one can achieve a state of being free from distractions, success will not be far off. Do not deliberately seek to feel the spiritual energy of the five elements in the world, for this energy has always been around you. Lu Zhongdao carefully recalled the scenes of his initial cultivation. Although he was not practicing the Yin-Yang Five Elements talisman method, the principle that mastering one method leads to mastery of all methods applies here as well; the understanding of spiritual energy is fundamentally the same.
As noon approached, Wenzi sat cross-legged, his hands positioned in a yin-yang formation near his lower abdomen. With his eyes closed, he began to guide the attributes of the five elements to circulate within his body. As long as he could sense the spiritual energy of the five elements, that energy would grow stronger under the principle of mutual generation among the five elements, thus marking the success of his practice. Of course, if he could sense the circulation of spiritual energy within his body during his first attempt, he would not be a genius but rather a prodigy.
Time has passed swiftly, and it has been more than a year since Wenzi Fu arrived at the secluded island where Lu Zhongdao resides. As for why Lu Zhongdao, the second most skilled practitioner in the world after the Real Man of Fu, chose to live in this remote eastern island, it remains a mystery.
Lu Zhongdao, after all, cannot rest on the Yin-Yang and Five Elements talisman methods. Naturally, he does not know that the aura's circulation is merely the traces of the Five Elements' spiritual energy in the world. This is the foundation for the power of the Five Element spells, which is also why the Five Element spells cannot be cultivated simultaneously. What one perceives are merely traces, and one cannot capture and utilize the spiritual energy, thus one can only cultivate a single-element spell. However, the Five Elements talisman method of Wenzi Fu is different; it is specifically designed for those who possess all five elements. Throughout history in the earthly realm, only Zhang Tianshi and Wenzi Fu have possessed all five elements, and since Zhang Tianshi has long passed away, this is also why the Five Element spells cannot be cultivated simultaneously. What one perceives are merely traces, and one cannot capture and utilize the spiritual energy, thus one can only cultivate a single-element spell. However, the Five Elements talisman method of Wenzi Fu is different; it is specifically designed for those who possess all five elements. Throughout history in the earthly realm, only Zhang Tianshi and Wenzi Fu have possessed all five elements, and since Zhang Tianshi has long passed away, naturally, no one can impart Wenzi Fu's experiences. As for why only Zhang Tianshi and Wenzi Fu possess all five elements in the earthly realm, allow me to keep you in suspense; the explanation will be provided later.
With the experience of integrating the spirit of water and the stimulation of the spirit, Wen Zifu devoted himself even more diligently to his cultivation. In the following ten days, he felt the summons of the earth spirit, fire spirit, and wood spirit, and successfully integrated these three types of spiritual energy into his own over the course of half a month. His strength advanced rapidly, as if propelled by a rocket, and within half a month, he ascended to the sixth level of the Yellow Realm. If the members of the Wen family were to learn that the once-despised wasteful young master had entered the sixth level of the Yellow Realm in just a month, it would surely shatter many perceptions. At the very least, Wen Xinghao, who was only at the fourth level of the Yellow Realm, would no longer dare to assault Wen Zifu and his mother.
During dinner in the evening, Wen Zifu shared the problems he encountered with Lu Zhongdao. Lu Zhongdao made an effort to recall, as he was, after all, one of the five strongest individuals in the world. Wen Zifu was his first disciple, and when it came to imparting knowledge and teaching, he was merely at the beginning stage. The master and disciple were both exploring their respective paths—one in practicing martial arts and the other in teaching—making them quite compatible.
"The next time you encounter this feeling, do not move; simply follow your feelings. Regardless of what happens, maintain a tranquil state of mind. As long as you sense the call of spiritual energy, it won't be long before you generate your own spiritual energy," Lu Zhongdao explained with a hint of jealousy in his tone, envious of Wen Zifu's innate mastery of the five elements.
On the third and fourth days, Wen Zifu, overwhelmed with excitement, fantasized about one day mastering his skills. His mind was restless, and he could no longer sense the call of the spiritual energy. Discontented, he ended two days of training and complained to the old man Lu Zhongdao. Lu Zhongdao understood that someone who was unable to cultivate was naturally restless at the prospect of soon acquiring the abilities of a talisman master, so he merely encouraged him to continue persevering in his practice.